Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) [India], December 5 (HBTV): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will be inaugurating the 43rd Ramayan Mela today at Ramkatha Park in Ayodhya. The four-day cultural festival, running from December 5 to December 8, celebrates Ayodhya's rich spiritual and cultural heritage while honoring the life and teachings of Lord Ram.

After the inaugural ceremony, the Chief Minister is scheduled to visit Hanuman Garhi, offer prayers at the temple of Ram Lalla, and review the progress of the Ram Mandir's construction. He is expected to depart for Mumbai at 12:45 p.m.

Kamlesh Singh, Secretary-General of the Ramayan Mela Committee, described the event as a significant occasion for Sanatanis worldwide. He stated: 'The honour we have received is a moment of great excitement for Sanatanis globally. After 500 years, Sita and Lord Ram have been enshrined in their palace, and a grand procession will travel from here to Janakpur.'

Singh noted that the Ramayan Mela symbolizes the culmination of struggles depicted in the Ramayana and the sacrifices of nearly 700,000 individuals. The festival traditionally begins with the Chief Minister's inauguration on the first day and concludes with the Governor's participation on the final day. Other ministers also take part in the interim. The event seeks to propagate the values of Lord Ram, his governance, and his familial virtues.

A highlight of the Mela is the ceremonial "Baraat Yatra" (wedding procession) of Lord Ram departing from Ayodhya, bringing immense joy to devotees. Singh emphasized the importance of Lord Ram's life as a brother, king, son, and husband, and Sita's embodiment of familial virtue, urging these ideals to inspire every household.

'The Ramayan Mela, established 43 years ago by Mahant Nritya Gopal Das Ji and luminaries like Sheetla Singh, continues to promote these timeless values,' Singh added.   

(ANI)